Laguna Niguel, California

If you were hurt at work, you may be wanting to ask a workers compensation lawyer Laguna Niguel CA locals recommend, “Am I eligible for worker’s compensation?”

First things first. What exactly is workers’ compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that your employer may carry that is intended to pay benefits to employees injured on the job. Workers’ compensation works in a similar way that car insurance works if you are in an accident. If you are hurt at work, representatives of the workers’ compensation plan will review your claim and determine what benefits you may receive under the workers’ compensation policy. In addition, your employer will also likely review your claim to address any concerns with workplace safety or fraud. At any point, you can choose to hire a workers compensation lawyer Laguna Niguel CA victims choose to protect their rights.

Does my employer offer workers’ compensation?

Probably. Most employers are required by state or federal law to offer workers’ compensation to their employees. Some states, however, allow small employers an exemption from the workers’ compensation law. A Laguna Niguel workers compensation lawyer from Howard Law, P.C. can determine if your employer should have been insured but was not.

Am I eligible for workers’ compensation?

If your employer is required to have workers’ compensation insurance, the first question you have to ask yourself is whether you are an employee. This seems like a simple question, but workers’ compensation laws will define the word “employee” and the definition is not always straightforward. If you are a domestic or agricultural worker, for example, your state may exempt your employer from covering your injuries. A workers compensation lawyer Laguna Niguel CA residents turn to for assistance from our firm can clarify your status for you based on information you provide.

If you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, the second question you need to ask yourself is whether or not you were injured in the course of your employment. The applicable workers’ compensation law will make a difference. If you were performing a job duty at the time of your injury, you will likely be eligible. There are exceptions, however, and the specific facts and circumstances of your injury will be important. A workers compensation lawyer in Laguna Niguel CA can provide more information.

What kind of benefits may be available?

The range of benefits and maximum coverage amounts varies by state law. Most states allow an injured employee to recover damages for medical bills, treatment, prescriptions, and therapeutic recovery from the workplace injury. Employees injured on the job may also be eligible for a percentage of their wages for any time they miss from work due to the injury. In certain circumstances, workers compensation funds may also offer reimbursement for job retraining and lump sum payments for injuries that cause permanent disability.

How do I file?

You need to notify your employer as soon as you are able after an injury. Workers’ compensation laws require that you notify your employer of your injury within a certain amount of time. Some states give you months to notify your employer, others only a few days. After you tell your employer, they should provide you with paperwork and information regarding how to file for workers’ compensation benefits. You should also considering looking into your local workers’ compensation law and reading information provided by your locality’s workers’ compensation board or commission. You may also want to consider retaining an experienced workers compensation lawyer Laguna Niguel CA community members rely on for help with this process.

The attorneys at Howard Law, P.C. have years of experience representing clients who have filed workers’ compensation claims. Although you do not have to have an attorney to file a claim for workers’ compensation, retaining an attorney may help you achieve the results you deserve and may help lift a burden from your shoulders as you recover from your injury. Reach out to Howard Law, P.C. today at 800-872-5925 to set an appointment with a workers compensation lawyer Laguna Niguel CA offers for an assessment of your claim.

We serve clients throughout Southern California including, but not limited to, those in the following localities: Orange County including Santa Ana and Anaheim; Los Angeles County including Los Angeles, Burbank, Pasadena, and West Covina; Riverside County including Cathedral City, Coachella, Corona, Hemet, Indio, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Palm Springs, Riverside, and Temecula; and San Bernardino County including Chino, Fontana, Hesperia, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, and Victorville.